Template Tools
| "No facilities constructed to date" |
| Monday, 27 June 2011 16:29 |
|
"No facilities constructed to date" I read across the report from one stimulus project. These were all certified as "shovel-ready" projects last September or earlier. The purpose of the stimulus was to create jobs, initially in the first 6-18 months. They didn't even get most of the grants approved in that time, and now I'm finding many projects already seriously behind. I leave to the DC reporters to trace down the causes. This isn't enough to turn me into a conservative Republican opposed to all government programs, but this is a textbook example of an inefficient bureaucracy. I know the people on top are smart and honorable, but something went very wrong.
I looked at the first few NTIA infrastructure grants and discovered very little has gone into the ground six months after the grant was approved. In one case, a network with almost no environmental impact was held up for six months by the bureaucracy. That network is mostly adding fiber to existing poles, which has no environmental impact. There is no ordinary reason for a long wait for a "Finding of No Significant Impact" on most of these projects. That's a FONSI, named after a comedian. I suspect some were actually held for other reasons than environmental.
"Shovel-ready," as promised to the President, shouldn't mean "prepared to begin the paperwork."
Appalachian Valley Fiber Network
New network miles deployed 0
Bend Cable Communications,
New network miles deployed 0 Behind due to delay in obtaining FONSI.
3 Ring Binder Maine Fiber Company, Awarded earlier
New network miles deployed 26. With much of the makeready completed and other details, it looks like this one will now accelerate. The team deserves kudos. The map is up, the rates are published, and they are actively recruiting users.
Bloomingdale Communications
New network miles deployed 0
Bluebird Media,
New network miles deployed 0
Many, perhaps most projects, will not be finished by their deadlines unless Larry Strickling starts threatening to cancel their funds.
|